Device for automatically cleaning a window sash

ABSTRACT

A device for automatically cleaning a window sash or the like which includes a support having a housing mounted thereon, operable mechanism mounted on the support for transporting a window sash upon the support and through the housing, together with means for guiding the sash through the housing, operable mechanism carried by the support for cleaning the sash by means of a liquid as it is transported upon the support and through the housing and means for collecting the liquid used for cleaning.

D United States Patent [is] 3,694,847 Hetman et al. 1 1 Oct. 3, 1972 [54] DEVICE FOR AUTOMATICALLY 1,617,833 2/1927 Armstrong l5/77 X CLEANING A WINDOW SASI'I 2,282,628 5/1942 Whann et al ..15/77 X [72] Inventors: Frank W. Human; Donald I. John 1,739,593 12/1929 ln glefield et al. ..15/306 A son of Minneapolis Minn Hljlya et. al. I 3,060,477 10/1962 Wechsler ..15/77 [73] Assignee: DeVac, Inc., Minneapolis, Minn.

. Prima Examiner-Edward L. Roberts 970 [22] Ffled March l Attorney-Wicks and Nemer [21] Appl. No; 22,527

[57] ABSTRACT [52] US. Cl. ..15/302, 15/4, 15/77, A device for automaticauy deaning a window sash or 15/309- 134/64 the like which includes a support having a housing [5|] IIILCI. ..A47l 1/02 mounted thereon, w mechanism mounted on [58] Field 01' Search ..15/4, 21 D, 21 E, 21 R, 77 the support for transporting a window sash upon the 312 support and through the housing, together with means 134/64 for guiding the sash through the housing, operable d mechanism carried by the support for cleaning the [56] Reierences sash by means of a liquid as it is transported upon the UNITED STATES PATENTS support and through the housing and means for collecting the liquid used for cleaning. 3,178,745 4/1965 Kleebauer ..15/77 3,098,250 7/ 1963 Creech ..15/17 14 Claims, 17 Drawing Figures PATENTEDum m2 3594-847 SHEET U1UF10 FIG. .2 A 43 llllu HIIHW 60 L INVENTOR.

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PATENTED 3 1972 SHEET lUUF 10 l l 5a7 FIE! 2-2/4 [NV NTOR. FRANK W HE MAN DONALD I. JOHNSON BY :33 Mi fem lrramve'rs DEVICE FOR AUTOMATICALLY CLEANING A WINDOW SASl-I SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The invention relates to an improvement in devices for cleaning a window sash and more particularly to a device for automatically cleaning a sash as the same is caused to move through the device. The device includes mechanism for removing foreign material from the sash and the frame thereof including the application of a fluid, the rinsing of the sash, removal of the fluid and means for vacuuming fluid from the frame of the sash together with means for collecting the fluid used to clean the sash all of which is done as the sash is caused to move through the device.

In the drawings forming part of this application:

FIG. I is a perspective view of a window sash washing machine embodying the invention with a sash shown in the initial position of entry into the machine, a portion of a side wall being broken away.

FIG. 2 is a rear end view of the machine at which end the sash is inserted.

FIG. 3 is a longitudinal sectional view on the line 3 3 of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a longitudinal sectional view on the line 4- 4 of FIG. 2.

FIG. 5 is a longitudinal sectional view on the line 5 5 of FIG. 2.

FIG. 6 is a transverse sectional view on the line 66 of FIG. 3 looking towards the front of the machine.

FIG. 6a is a section on the line 60-611 of FIG. 5.

FIG. 6b is a section on the line 6b6b of FIG. 6a.

FIG. 7 is a transverse sectional view on the line 77 of FIG. 5, looking toward the rear of the machine.

FIG. 8 is a transverse sectional view on the line 8-8 of FIG. 5 looking toward the rear of the machine with portions broken away and the wiper blades positioned to accommodate the widest possible sash.

FIG. 9 is a sectional view similar to FIG. 8 but with a smaller window sash shown and the wiper blades accommodating the same in different positions relative to FIG. 8.

FIG. 9a is a section on the line 9a-9a of FIG. 9.

FIG. I0 is a sectional view on the line l0-l0 of FIG. 10a.

FIG. We is a sectional view on the line IOa-IOa of FIG. 3.

FIG. 10b is a view ofa wiper blade on the line 10b- 10b of FIG. 10 with the sash removed.

FIG. II is a sectional view on the line 11-11 of FIG.

FIG. Ila is a detailed view of a wiper blade of the lower vacuum box removed therefrom.

Referring to the drawings in detail, the sash washing machine A includes the bottom frame member I6 formed of the longitudinal tubular side members l8 and connected at the ends by the transverse tubular end members 22 and 24. Secured to the bottom frame members is the bottom plate 26 with the securing thereof done by means of angle members such as 28.

Further provided is the horizontal pan 30 which extends from the lower front wall 32 to the lower rear wall 34 and which is supported by and connected to the vertical longitudinal walls 36 and 38. The walls 36 and 38 together with the pan 30 form a well Wv The numeral 40 designates a shaft mounted on the extension 42 of the pan 30 particularly FIGS. 5 and l. The shaft 40 has mounted thereon the gear 44 upon which the toothed belt 46 is mounted. The belt 46 is also mounted on the gear 48 mounted on the drive shaft 50. The shaft 50 is driven by the belt 52, the operation of which will be hereinafter described. The belt 46 initially receives the window sash S for progression of the same through the machine A.

Mounted on the ends of the transverse end member 22 is a pair of upright support members 23 and 25 which support the lower front wall 32. A further pair of upright support members 27 are mounted on the end member 24 which support the lower rear wall 34. Additional upper longitudinal side members 29 and 3| are provided which are connected to the members 23, 25, and 27. Lower side panels 33 on both sides of the device are supported by the members 23, 25, and 27 together with members 20 and 22. The numerals 35 and 37 designate upper side panels connected to the pairs of upright supports 39 and 41 connected at the top ends by cross members 43 and top side members 45. The walls 36 and 38 of the well W are connected to spaced horizontal top walls 47 and 49. The lower ends of the upright supports are connected to the inner ends of the short transverse members 51 and 53, and the members 51 and 53 are connected to the short vertical supports 55 and 57 defining the ends of the well W with the lower ends of the supports 55 and 57 connected with a central support 6]. The construction is the same at both ends.

Further provided is the sash receiver channel 54 which is pivotally connected at its inner end to the bracket 56 by pin 58 mounted on the outer end of the extension 42. The outer end of the sash receiver channel 54 is supported in a horizontal position by two identical legs 60 and 62 pivotally connected at the outer ends to the channel 54 and each removably placed at its lower end upon a stop 64 extending out wardly from the ends of the end member 22. Thus, when the channel 54 is pivoted upwardly to a vertical position, the legs may be pivoted and placed alongside the channel for storage and against the upper rear wall 66. Mounted on the rear wall 66 are a pair of brackets 68 and 70 each of which carries a roller 72 and 74, respectively, the rollers adapted to guide a sash S centrally into the vertical receiving slot 76 formed in the upper rear wall 66.

The numeral 78 designates a first transverse shaft journaled in and extending between the longitudinal walls 36 and 38, particularly FIGS. 3, S, and 6. The shaft 78 is driven by the motor 80 mounted on the support 82 mounted on the bottom plate 26, the driving connection including the belt 82 mounted on a pulley 84 on shaft 78 and pulley 86 secured to a second transverse shaft 88 journaled in the walls 36 and 38. Also, secured to shaft 88 and alongside pulley 86 is the pulley 90 which mounts belt 92, belt 92 also mounted on pul- Iey 94 mounted on shaft 96 of gear reducer 98 operated by the motor 80. The idler pulley 100 mounted on the bracket I02 secured to the gear reducer 98 controls the tension of the belt 92. The gear reducer 98 is mounted on the support I04 mounted on the bottom plate 26.

The shaft 88 drives the shaft 78 through belt 82 and the shaft 50 through the belt 52 placed on pulleys thereon, there being a double pulley 104' on shaft 88, particularly FIGS. 3 and 6. A belt 106 is placed on double pulley 104' and upon pulley 108 of a third transverse shaft 110 joumaled in the walls 36 and 38 of the well W adjacent the front end thereof, F108. 3, 4, and 5.

A fourth transverse shaft 112 is journaled in the wall 36 and a bearing mounted on the pan with the shaft 112 between the shafts 88 and 110. The shaft 112 is driven by a belt 114 mounted on pulley 116 on shaft and on a pulley 118 on shaft 112. Each of the shafts 78, 88, 110, and 112 has mounted thereon a V- groove drive rollers 120, 122, 124, and 126, respectively, the formation of each of the pulleys best shown in H0. 6 where pulley 122 is shown in detail. The driven rollers 120, 122, 124, and 126 transport the sash S through the machine together with the toothed belt 46, the sash being guided to the belt 46 and the transport rollers by the channel 54.

CLEANING BRUSHES Further provided is a first vertical cleaning brush 128 mounted on shaft 130. The top end of shaft 130 is journaled in block 132 secured to the top plate 134, and the lower end of the shaft is journaled in the bearing 136 on the pan 30 with the shaft extending below the pan, FIG. 3 particularly. Mounted on the lower end of the shaft 130 is the pulley 138. The numeral 140 designates a second vertical cleaning brush mounted on shaft 142 as a companion for brush 128, FIGS. 4 and 5. The top end of the shaft 142 is journaled in a block 143 similar to block 132, which is secured to the top plate 134. The lower portion of the shaft 142 is journaled in a bearing 145 on the pan 30 as in the case of shaft 130 with shaft 142 extending below the pan. Mounted on the lower end of the shaft 142 is the pulley 144. The brushes 128 and 140 are enclosed in the housing 145.

The numeral 146 designates a third vertical cleaning brush mounted on shaft 148. The top end of shaft 148 is journaled in a bearing block 150 secured to the top plate 134. The lower end of the shaft 148 is journaled in the bearing 149 on pan 30 with the shaft extending below the pan 30. Mounted on the lower end of the shaft 148 is the pulley 152.

A fourth vertical cleaning brush 154 is provided as a companion brush to brush 146, and brush 154 is mounted on shaft 156. The upper end of shaft 156 is journaled in block 150, and the lower end of shaft 156 is journaled in bearing 158 on pan 130, FIG. 6. The lower end of shaft 156 extends below the pan 30 and mounted on the lower end is the pulley 160. Also mounted on the lower end of the shaft 156 and above pulley 160 is the spur gear 162. The spur gear 162 engages the gear 164 mounted on the lower end of the shaft 148 of brush 146. A belt 166 is positioned on pulley 138 of brush shaft 130 and also on pulley 160 of brush shaft 156. Further a belt 168 is positioned on pulley 144 of shaft 142 and pulley 152 of shaft 148.

Shaft 156 of brush 154 is driven at its lower end by means of bevel gear 170 thereon engaging bevel gear 172 on shaft 174 of gear reducer 98.

Thus, as shaft 156 is rotated by gears 170 and 172 shaft 148 is rotated through gears 162 and 164. Shaft 148 rotates shaft 142 through belt 168 and shaft 156 rotates shaft 130 through belt 166 whereby all four brushes: 128, 140, 146, and 154, are rotated. The pulleys mounted on the lower ends of the brush shafts 130, 142, 148, and 156 are vertically staggered so that the belts 166 and 168 bypass each other.

SPRAY MECHANISM AND SASH GUIDE ROLLER The numeral 176 designates a main spray apparatus adjacent the third and fourth cleaning brushes 146 and 154 with auxiliary spray apparatus 178 adjacent cleaning brushes 128 and 140. The apparatus 176 includes the first vertically disposed pipe 180 positioned adjacent brush 146. The lower end of pipe 180 terminates in the right angle transverse portion 182. The transverse portion 182 terminates in the second vertically disposed pipe 184 which is parallel to pipe 180. Each of the pipes 180 and 184 has mounted thereon the nozzles 186 which point inwardly of the machine and upon a sash progressing through the machine. Centrally of the transverse pipe 182 is connected one end of the cleaning fluid supply line 188 which is connected at the other end of the pump Pa driven off shaft 190 of motor 192. The pump Pa draws a liquid supply from tank 194 through line 196 and pumps it to the pipes 180 and 184 and out nozzles 186 thereof and closely adjacent rollers 146 and 154. A first take-off auxiliary pipe 198 is connected at its lower end to supply pipe 180 at its lower portion and is closely adjacent first cleaning brush 128, pipe 198 mounting spray nozzles 200 which point inwardly of the machine and upon a sash progressing through the machine A. A second take-off auxiliary pipe 199 is connected at its lower end to supply pipe 184 at its lower portion and is closely adjacent first brush 128, pipe 199 mounting nozzles 201. Auxiliary pipe 199 is a companion to auxiliary pipe 198.

Water or cleaning fluid deposited onto and collected by pan 30 from the various spray nozzles drains from the pan 30 down drain outlet 202 connected to tank 194, FIG. 5. Pan 30 is further drained by drain line 203 leading into tank 194 and a drain line 204 leading from the bottom of housing 145 at the pan to the tank 194, FIGS. 4 and 5.

To guide the sash S through the device A there is provided a multiplicity of elongated and vertically disposed rollers 204 mounted on shafts 206. The length of the rollers 204 is such that the frame of a sash positioned as the upper thereof as it goes through the machine will be guided by the rollers within a wide range of widths ofsashes. The lower frame of the sash S as it goes through the machine rides on the rollers 120, 122, 124, and 126 particularly as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, Further positive guiding of the sash S through the machine by contact with the lower frame is accomplished by a multiplicity of vertically disposed spaced hold down rollers 208 mounted on horizontal shafts 210 connected to supports 212 connected to wall 36, particularly FlG. 6v The upper ends of the shafts 206 mounting guide rollers 204 are journaled in blocks 214 secured to top 134 with the lower ends of shafts 206 journaled on the pan 30.

A further spray mechanism 216 for rinsing is provided which includes the first vertically disposed pipe 218 which terminates at its lower end in the transverse pipe portion 220, particularly FIGS. 5 and 6a. The pipe portion 220 terminates at its other end in the second vertically disposed pipe 222. Each of the pipes 218 and 222 is fitted with spray nozzles 224 and 226, respectively. A liquid supply line 228 extends up through the pan 30 and connects with the transverse pipe portion 220, particularly FIG. 6a. The supply line 228 is connected to and leads from the pump Pb, and the pump Pb conducts fluid from the tank 230 by means of line 232. Cleaning fluid from the nozzles 224 and 226 of the rinsing mechanism 216 is drained off by means of the drain line 234 leading into tank 230. Thus the pump Pb draws cleaning fluid from supply tank 230 and delivers to nozzles 224 and 226 through line 228. The fluid is returned from pan 30 to tank 230 by means of drain line 234 leading from the pan to the tank, particularly FIG. 3. The spray mechanism 216 is enclosed within a rinse chamber 236 which includes the identical side walls 238 and 240 connected to and extending upwardly from the pan 30 and pan walls 38 and 36, respectively.

The rinse chamber 236 further includes transverse forward spaced wall portions 242 and 244 disposed at right angles to and connected to the side walls 238 and 240. The inner edge of the forward wall portion 242 has mounted thereon the forward rubber flap 246, and the inner edge of the forward wall portion 244 has mounted thereon the companion forward rubber flap 248. The inner edge of the flap 246 lies in abutment with the inner edge of the flap 248 to thereby releasably close off the forward end of the rinse chamber 236, particularly FIG. 6a. The rear end of the rinse chamber 236 is releasably closed off by the transverse rear spaced walls 250 and 252 disposed at right angles to and connected to the side walls 238 and 240. The rear walls 250 and 252 extend upwardly from the pan 30 and are secured at the top ends to the top plate 134. The inner edge of the rear wall portion 250 has mounted thereon the rear rubber flap 254, and the inner edge of the rear wall portion 252 has mounted thereon the companion rear rubber flap 256.

The rinse chamber 236 thus consists of the side walls 238 and 240, the forward spaced wall portions 242 and 244 together with rubber flaps 246 and 248 and the rear spaced wall portions 250 and 252 together with the rubber flaps 254 and 256, all of said members extending between the pan 30 and the top plate 134. The rear rubber flaps allow a sash, such as S, to enter the rinse chamber 236 due to the deflection of the flaps, and the rear flaps maintain linear contact with the sash so that rinse spray from the rinse nozzles 224 and 226 does not get out of the rinse chamber. Similarly the forward flaps allow a sash to exit from the rinse chamber due to the deflection of the flaps, and the forward flaps maintain linear contact with the sash so that rinse spray from the nozzles 224 and 226 does not get out of the rinse chamber. It will also be seen that rinse spray from the rinse nozzles will not escape from the rinse chamber when the nozzles are operating although no sash is caused to enter or exit from the rinse chamber 236.

ADJUSTABLE VACUUM DEVICE FOR UPPER FRAME OF SASH The numeral 260 designates an elongated enclosed chamber mounted at its upper end to the top plate 134 by bracket 135 and adjacent rinse chamber 236, FIGS.

3, 5, and 7. Mounted in the upper end of the chamber 260 is the roller 262 and mounted in the lower end is the roller 264. Positioned on the rollers 262 and 264 and within the chamber 260 is the flexible belt 266. The inner wall 268 of the chamber 260 is formed with the elongated open slot 270 which faces inwardly of the machine, particularly FIG. 7. Secured to the belt 266 and communicating with the interior confines of the belt and between chamber front wall 272 and chamber rear wall 274 is the vacuum inlet mouth 271 of top vacuum manifold box 276. The belt 266 is substantially sealed off at its side edges due to the proximity of the side edges to the chamber walls 272 and 274. Secured to the front and rear walls 272 and 274 is the outer wall 273. Secured to the lower end of the chamber 260 is the upper air transfer box 278, particularly FIGS. 3, 7, and 10, which covers the outlet hole 280 formed in the wall 272 of chamber 260, FIGS. 3, 7, and 10. The transfer box 278 has a hole 282 formed in the bottom which communicates with the lower transfer box 284. Secured to and communicating with the lower end of the lower transfer box 284 is the flexible conduit 286 connected to the exhaust fan 288, FIGS. 7 and 3. The suction flow of air from vacuum manifold box 276 through chamber 260, upper transfer box 278, lower transfer box 284 and conduit 286 is shown by arrows in FIG. 3.

The vacuum manifold box 276 is slidably positioned so that the upper frame of the sash S passes therethrough and water remaining on the frame of the sash S positioned upwardly is vacuumed off due to the partial vacuum created in the box 276. The inlet mouth 271 of the box 276, FIGS. 10 and 10a is secured to the extends through the belt 266 which is slidably mounted in the slot 294 formed in the extension 296 of the forward wall 272 of chamber 260. The belt 266 is also slidably mounted in the slot 298 formed in the extension 300 of the rear wall 274.

Referring again to FIGS. 10 and 10a the top vacuum box 276 funher includes the first side wall 302 in which is formed the inlet mouth 271, and connected to the first side wall is the front wall 304 formed with the opening 306. A second side wall 308 is connected to the front wall 304 together with the top wall 310 and the spaced bottom wall portions 312 and 314. The rear wall 316 of the box 276 is formed with the opening 318, FIG. 10. Secured to the bottom of the vacuum box 276 are the horizontal rubber flaps 320 and 322 which are extensions of the spaced bottom portions 312 and 314, FIGS. 10 and 10a. Mounted internally of the box 276 is the first internal vertically disposed wall 324 formed with the series of air transfer openings 326, 328, and 330. Further included in the box 276 is the second internal vertically disposed wall 340 formed with the air transfer openings 342, 344, and 346 and secured to and extending between 324 and the internal walls 340 are the rubber wiping blades 348, 350, 352, and 354, all of which are identical and shown in detail in FIG. 11a. Secured to the front wall 304 of box 276 at the opening 306 are the opposed and mating rubber exit flaps 356 and 358. Each of the wiper blades 348, 350, 352, and 354 is formed with a cut out 355 shown in broken lines, particularly FIG. 10b. The outline of the cutouts is substantially the cross-section configuration of the frame Sb of the sash S so that the frame Sb can pass through the wiper blades with a wiping action and a partial vacuum maintained upon the frame Sb itself and a portion of the glass of the sash S adjacent the frame, particularly FIGS. 7, 8, 9 and 100. Each of the blades such as 348 has a sheet of thin rubber 357 secured thereon and covering the cutout 355. The sheet portion 357 is formed with the vertical slit 359 and the horizontal slit 361 which forms thin flap portions 363. 365 and 367 between the edges of the cutout 355 and the mating edges of the flaps. The edges of the thin flap portions 363, 365 and 367 deflect and wipe the edges of the frame portion Sb as it is passed through the blades such as 348. The contact of the edges of thin flap portions upon the frame Sb and a small portion of the sash S also aid in maintaining a partial vacuum on the frame and sash.

The numeral 360 designates a first vertically disposed track mounted on its lower end on pan 30 and formed of an angle construction including the first leg 362 and the second leg 364, FIGS. 8, 9 and 9a. A second vertically disposed track 366 is mounted on its lower end on pan 30 which is formed of an angle construction including the first leg 368 and the second leg 370. The vacuum box 276 is positioned for sliding operation in the tracks 360 and 366 with the wall 304 of the box against the legs 362 and 368 of the tracks 360 and 366, respectively, and the side walls 302 and 308 against the legs 364 and 370, respectively, FIGS. 9a and 10.

Thus it will be seen that as the vacuum manifold box 276 is slidably moved in the tracks 360 and 366 to accommodate the frame of a sash a partial vacuum is maintained via mouth 271 which moves with the belt 266 so that no matter at what vertical position the vacuum box is placed there is a partial vacuum therein for removal of liquid from a sash frame of a sash passed therethrough.

The top vacuum manifold box 276 is further guided in its sliding movement upon tracks 360 and 366 by means of a first roller 374 mounted on bracket 376, the bracket 376 connected to a first vertical strap member 378, FIGS. 9a and 10 in particular. The roller 374 bears against the leg 362 of track 360 with the wall portion of box 276 adjacent the inner surface of track 360 best shown in FIG. 10. The first strap 378 is connected to and depends from the bottom portion 3l4 of box 276, particularly FIGS. 90 and 10a. Mounted directly on the inner surface of strap 378 is a second and upper roller 380 which engages the inner surface of leg 362 of track 360 to guide the box 276 along with roller 374 upon the track 360.

Additional guiding mechanism for the vacuum box 276 is a second roller 382 mounted on bracket 384, the bracket connected to a second vertical strap member 386, FIGS. 9a and 10 in particular. The roller 382 bears against the leg 368 of the track 366 with the wall portion of box 276 adjacent the inner surface of leg 368 of track 366. The second strap 386 is connected to and depends from the bottom portion 312 of box 276, particularly FIGS. 9a and 10a. Mounted directly on the inner surface of strap 386 is a third and upper roller 388 which engages the inner surface of leg 368 of track 366 along with roller 382 upon track 366. Mounted on first strap 378 is a lower roller 390 and on second strap 386 a lower roller 392, the lower roller 390 engaging leg 304 of track 360 and lower roller 392 engaging leg 368 of track 366.

The first strap 378 mounts a first horizontal stop bar 394 formed of a first leg portion 396 and a right angle second leg portion 398, the leg portion 398 connected at its inner end to the first strap 378. Further provided is a second horizontal stop bar 400 formed of a first leg portion 402 and a right angle second leg portion 404 connected at its inner end to the second strap 386. The function of the stop bars 394 and 400 carried by the slidable and adjustable vacuum box 276 will be hereinafter described.

THE UPPER WIPER BLADES The lower end of the strap 378 has connected thereto the right angular support 406 to which is secured to upright support 408 on which is pivotally mounted the upper wiper blade 410, FIGS. l0 and 10a in particular. The blade 410 has the lug 412 thereof pivotally mounted between spaced ears 414 and 416 on support 408, particularly FIGS. 10 and 10a. The lower end of the strap 386 has connected thereto the right angular support 4l8 to which is secured the upright plate 420 which mounts the spaced ears 422 and 424, FIGS. 10 and 10a. The upper wiper blade 426 has the lug 428 thereof pivotally mounted between spaced ears 422 and 424 on upright plate 420. Thus the upper pair of wiper blades 410 and 426 pivotally carried by and adjustable with the vertically adjustable top vacuum manifold box 276.

THE INTERMEDIATE WIPER BLADES Further provided is the first vertical channel track 428 which has a rectangular cross section with the slot 430 formed in the inner wall 432 thereof. Slidably positioned in the track 426 is the block 433 which has extending inwardly thereof the upper car 434 and the spaced lower car 436, FIGS. 8 and 10. The numeral 438 designates a first intermediate wiper blade formed with bow portion 440 from which extends the lug 442 pivotally mounted between the ears 434 and 436 of the slidable block 432. The block 433 and wiper blade 438 thereon is urged upwardly by a relatively weak spring 444 connected upwardly by a relatively weak spring 444 connected at its lower end to the top end of the block 432 and at its upper end to a pin 446 secured within the upper end of the track 428, FIG. 3.

A second vertical channel track 448 is provided which has a rectangular cross section with the slot 450 fonned in the inner wall 452 thereof. Slidably positioned in the track 448 is the block 454 which has extending inwardly thereof the upper car 456 and the spaced lower ear 458. The numeral 460 designates a second intermediate wiper blade formed with a bow portion 462 from which extends the lug 464 pivotally mounted between the ears 456 and 458. The block 454 and wiper blade 460 thereon is urged upwardly by a relatively weak spring 466 connected at its lower end to the top end of the block 454 and at its upper end to a pin 468 secured within the upper end of the track 448, particularly FIGS. 8 and 4.

THE LOWER FIXED WIPER BLADES The numeral 470 designates a first lower wiper blade having the support block 472 pivotally connected to the pivoted elongated vertical bar 474 by pin 476, particularly FIGS. 8 and 10. The elongated vertical bar 474 is pivoted on its lower end by pin 476 mounted on the pan 30 and on its upper end by pin 478 mounted in block 480 connected to top plate 134. A second lower wiper blade 482 is provided having the support block 484 pivotally connected to the pivoted elongated vertical bar 486 by pin 488. The elongated vertical bar 486 pivoted on its lower end by pin 490 mounted on pan 30 and on its upper end by pin 492 mounted in block 480 connected to top plate 134, FIG. 3. The first vertical bar 474 is pivotally urged with the blade 470 towards and upon the sash S by means of the spring 496 connected to the vertical bar 474 and the anchor pin 498 secured to the top 500 of the lower vacuum box 502, particularly FIG. 10. The second vertical bar 486 is pivotally urged with the blade 482 towards and upon the sash S by means of the spring 504 connected to the vertical bar 486 and the anchor pin 506 secured to the top 500 of the lower vacuum box 502, particularly FIGS. 10 and 11.

Referring particularly to FIGS. 10 and 11, the lower vacuum box 502 further includes the side walls 508 and 510, the spaced partial front walls 512 and 514 and the spaced partial rear walls 516 and 518. The top 500 includes the spaced inner horizontal thin rubber portions 520 and 522 the inner edges of which lie adjacent each other and between which the glass of the sash S passes. The rubber top portions 520 and 522 have formed at the rear entrance portions the radii 524 and 526 to facilitate the passage of the sash glass therebetween.

Internally of the lower vacuum box 502 are the spaced intermediate walls 528 and 530 each formed with a multiplicity of air transfer holes 532, FIGS. 10 and 11. Secured to the walls 528 and 530 are a multiplicity of vertical wiper blades 534, FIGS. I and 11a. The blades 534 are substantially identical to the blades 348, 350, and 352 in construction but with a cutout 535 shown in broken lines the configuration of which is the same as the cross-section of the frame Sb, particularly FIG. lla. The blade 534 has a sheet of rubber 537 secured thereon and covering the cutout 535. The sheet portion 537 is formed with the vertical slit 539 and the horizontal slit 541 which forms this flap portions 543, 545, and 547 between the edges of the cutout S35 and the mating edges of the flaps. The edges of the thin flap portions 543, 545, and 547 deflect and wipe the edges of the frame portion Sa as it is passed through the blades 534. The contact of the edges of the thin flap portions upon the frame Sb and a small portion of the sash 8 also aid in maintaining a partial vacuum in the frame and sash.

The numeral 550 designates a base bottom wall for the box 502, the walls 546 and 548 and short end wall 544, FIGS. and l l. The base wall 550 is mounted on the horizontal pan 30. The bottom wall 550 has formed therein the outlet hole 552 with the tube portion 554 connected to and extending downwardly therefrom. The tube portion 554 has connected thereto the conduit 556 connected to the suction fan face 558 mounted on the bottom plate 26, particularly FIGS. 11, 3, 4, and 5. The conduit 557 extends through the bottom plate 26 and exhausts into the water collector muffler M having housing 560 connected to and depending from the bottom plate 26. The water collector muffler housing includes the end walls 562 and 564 and the side walls 566 and 568 and the bottom wall 570. The end wall 564 has a multiplicity of outlet holes 572 formed therein, FIGS. 2 and 5, for exhaust of the air from suction fans 288 and 558. The suction fan 288 connects with the collector housing 560 as does the suction fan 558. The fans direct moisture into the housing 560.

Positioned on the bottom 570 of collector muffler housing 560 and the side walls 566 and 568 thereof is the sound deadening sheet material 574 which may be of the plastic foam material. Positioned on top of the sheet material is a thin plastic sheet material 575 to prevent liquid from going into the sheet material 574 and positioned on top of the sheet material 574 upon the bottom 570 is the sheet screen piece 576. A sump line 577 extends into muffler 560 and a conventional pump, not shown, which pumps the liquid into tank from the housing 560.

OPERATION OF THE WIPER BLADE ASSEMBLY AND TOP VACUUM MANIFOLD BOX The wiper blade assembly includes the adjustable upper blades 410 and 426, the adjustable intermediate blades 438 and 460 and the fixed lower blades 470 and 482. As heretofore set forth, the upper and intermediate blades are adjustable from the fully extended upper positions to any position down to a position where both the upper and intermediate blades are opposite the fixed lower blades. In FIG. 8 the upper and intermediate blades are shown in a fully extended position above the lower fixed blades whereby the maximum width of sash can be cleaned, wiped and vacuumed as the same is moved through the device A. In such extended condition the lower ends of the upper wiper blades overlap the upper ends of the intermediate wiper blades, and the lower ends of the intermediate wiper blades overlap the upper ends of the lower wiper blades. In FIG. 9 the upper wiper blades have been lowered to a point opposite the intermediate blades whereby a narrower sash SS is accommodated.

As heretofore set forth, the upper wiper blades are carried by the mechanism connected to the top slidable vacuum box 276, and as the box 276 is moved downwardly from the upper-most position of FIG. 8 to a point opposite the intermediate blades, the stop bars 394 and 400 carried thereby engage the outer ends of the upper ears 434 and 456, respectively, of slidable blocks 433 and 454, respectively. With pressure of the stop bars 394 and 400 upon the ears 434 and 456 as a result of further movement of the manifold box 276 downwardly, the intermediate wiper blades are carried downwardly with the upper wiper blades downwardly. The upper and intermediate blades may thereby be moved together downwardly to a point opposite the lower wiper blades for minimal overall wiper coverage. The intermediate wiper blades are moved downwardly against the action of the relatively weak springs 444 and 466 heretofore described and shown particularly in FIG. 10, the springs mounted within the tracks 426 and 448.

if it is desired to extend the intermediate and upper wiper blades upwardly to accommodate a sash, the vacuum manifold box 276 is moved upwardly thereby raising the upper wiper blades carried thereby. The intermediate wiper blades follow due to the urging by the springs 444 and 466. At a point of upward movement of the upper and intermediate blades the blocks 433 and 454 in tracks 428 and 448 engage stops 429 and 431 in tracks 426 and 448 when the intermediate wiper blades reach a point with only a small portion of the lower ends of intermediate blades overlapping the upper ends of the lower wiper blades. With the intermediate wiper blades stopped at substantially an intermediate position, the upper wiper blades can'be moved further upwardly by moving the box 276 upwardly which carries the upper wiper blades whereby maximum coverage of the wiper blades can be attained. The upper wiper blades are stopped when the same attain a position with the lower ends slightly overlapping the upper ends of the intermediate wiper blades. Thus, the wiper blades can be adjusted to cover a vertical dimension from the length of one blade to the length of the three blades minus the amount of overlap hereinbefore pointed out. The upper vacuum manifold 276 moves with, of course, the upper wiper blades, and as the upper frame portion of the sash passes through the manifold 276 water and dirt are vacuumed therefrom. The lower frame portion of the sash is similarly vacuumed as it passes through the lower manifold vacuum box 502.

OPERATION In using the device A to wash and dry a sash S, the vacuum manifold box 276 is vertically adjusted so that with the lower frame portion 50 upon the belt 46 and the transport wheels 120, 122, and 126 for progression through the machine, the upper frame portion Sb will move through the cut out openings 355 of the various flaps of the box 276. In this position of box 276 the intermediate wiper blades 438 and 460 together with lower wiper blades 470 and 482 and upper blades 410 and 416 completely cover the glass of the sash S as it proceeds to the blades, the positioning of which has been heretofore explained.

By means of conventional well-known controls the motor 80 is started which operates the sash transport belt 46, and the sash transport drive rollers 120 and 122, 126 and 124. The operation of the motor 80 also rotates the cleaning brushes 128 and 140 and cleaning brushes 146 and 154 by means of the mechanism hereinbefore described.

The motor 192 is started by conventional wellknown controls and the motor 192 operates the pumps Pa and Pb. The pump Pa pumps cleaning fluid from tank 194 out through line 196 to line 188 and thence to the vertical pipes 180 and 184 from which it sprays out through nozzles 186 adjacent brushes 146 and 154. Cleaning fluid is also pumped out vertical pipe 198 and through nozzles thereon and vertical pipe 199 and the nozzles 201 thereon.

The pump Pb pumps cleaning fluid from tank 230 out pipe 232 and via line 228 to cross over 220 and thence to vertical pipes 218 and 222 and out nozzles 224 and 226 in the rinse chamber 236.

The cleaning fluid sprayed from the various nozzles drops down onto and is collected in the pan 30, and from the pan 30 it is returned to the tank 194 by drain line 203 and drain line 204 leading from the bottom of the pan at brush housing 145 together with drain line 205. Cleaning fluid from the rinse pipe mechanism 216 drains out the drain line 234 to the tank 230. Cleaning fluid is recirculated from tank 194 to pump Pa by line 196 and recirculated from tank 230 via line 232 by pump Pb.

The sash S is placed on the receiver channel 54 and belt 46 which draws the sash into the machine where it engages driven roller which moves the sash S so it engages driven rollers 122, 126 and 124 which causes the sash to progress through the machine. As the sash S progresses through the machine A the brushes 128 and together with the spray from the nozzles adjacent the brush clean the sash. The brushes 154 and 146 together with the nozzles 186 adjacent thereto further clean the sash, and the nozzles 224 and 226 in the rinse housing 236 rinse the sash. As the sash leaves the rinse housing it is engaged by the upper wiper blades 410 and 426, the intermediate wiper blades 438 and 460 and the lower wiper blades 4'70 and 482 which wipe the entire glass surface of the sash. Also the upper frame Sb is vacuumed clean by the upper box 276, and the lower frame 80 is vacuumed clean by the lower vacuum box 502. The sash is ejected from the machine onto the channel 578 where it is held until picked up. The channel 578 is connected at its inner end to the front wall 580 and with the outer end connected to the upper ends of the supports S82 and 584 which are connected at the lower ends thereof to the front end 34.

Material in substantially any sheet form may also be passed through the machine for cleaning.

We claim:

1. A device for automatically cleaning a window sash or the like comprising:

a. support means having b. housing means thereon,

c. means mounted on said support means for transporting a window sash upon the support means and through the housing means,

d. means carried by the support means for guiding the sash through the housing as it is transported,

e. means carried by the support means for cleaning the sash with a liquid as it is transported upon the support means and through the housing means,

f. means for collecting the liquid used in cleaning the sash,

g. said transporting means including a multiplicity of rollers for engagement by the edge of the sash,

h. means for rotating the rollers,

i. said guiding means including a multiplicity of rollers for engagement by the sash,

j. said cleaning means including k. brushes,

l. means for moving the brushes upon and in contact with a sash transported to and past the brushes,

m. means for supplying a cleaning liquid to and upon the sash in the area of the brushes for coaction therewith,

n. said cleaning means also including wiper blades mounted within the housing for wiping the sash after it is contacted by said brushes.

2. The device of claim 1 in which said wiper blades are adjustable to accommodate and wipe sashes of different widths.

3. A device for automatically cleaning a window sash or the like comprising:

a. support means having b. housing means thereon,

c. means mounted on said support means for transporting a window sash upon the support means and through the housing means,

d. means carried by the support means for guiding the sash through the housing as it is transported,

e. means carried by the support means for cleaning the sash with a liquid as it is transported upon the support means and through the housing means,

f. means for collecting the liquid used in cleaning the sash,

g. said transporting means including a multiplicity of rollers for engagement by the edge of the sash,

h. means for rotating the rollers,

i. said guiding means including a multiplicity of rollers for engagement by the sash,

j. said cleaning means including k. brushes,

1. means for moving the brushes upon and in contact with a sash transported to and past the brushes,

m. means for supplying a cleaning liquid to and upon the sash in the area of the brushes for coaction therewith,

n. said cleaning means also including wiper blades mounted within the housing for wiping the sash after it is contacted by said brushes,

0. an upper housing through which the upper frame edge of the sash passes,

p. a lower housing through which the lower frame edge of the sash passes,

q. means for creating a partial vacuum in said upper housing, and

r. means for creating a partial vacuum in said lower housing.

4. The device of claim 3 in which a. said upper housing is adjustable relative to said transport rollers to accommodate sashes of different widths, and

b. said blades include upper and lower, the uppermost of said wiper blades being mounted in and carried by said upper housing for wiping sashes of different widths.

S. The device of claim 4 in which said blades include intermediate wiper blades adjustable intermediate said uppermost wiper blades and said lower wiper blades for coaction with said uppermost and lower blades for wipin g sashes of different widths.

6. The device of claim 5 in which the adjustable intermediate wiper-blades includes means responsive to the adjustable movement of said upper housing for causing adjustment of the intermediate wiper-blades.

7. The device of claim 5 in which said intermediate wiper blades includes means responsive to the adjustable sliding movement of said upper housing.

8. The device of claim 3 in which a. said partial vacuum creating means for said upper housing includes an elongated housing including b. an endless belt mounted on rollers and a portion thereof forming an internal wall thereof, and

LII

c. a conduit connected to said upper housing and said belt and communicating internally of the belt and housing whereby a partial vacuum is maintained in said upper housing as it is adjustably positioned.

9. The device of claim 1 in which said wiper blades include a. upper wiper blades,

b. intermediate wiper blades,

c. lower wiper blades,

d. means for positioning said upper wiper blades relative to said lower wiper blades, and

e. means for positioning said intermediate wiper blades relative to said lower wiper blades.

10. A device for automatically cleaning a window sash or the like comprising:

a. support means having b. housing means thereon,

c. means mounted on said support means for transporting a window sash upon the support means and through the housing means,

d. means carried by the support means for guiding the sash through the housing, as it is transported e. means carried by the support means for cleaning the sash with a liquid as it is transported upon the support means and through said housing means,

f. means for collecting the liquid used in cleaning the sash,

g. said cleaning means including an upper housing through which the upper frame edge of the sash passes,

h. a lower housing through which the lower frame edge of the sash passes,

i. means for creating a partial vacuum in said upper housing, and

3'. means for creating a partial vacuum in said lower housing.

11. The device of claim 10 in which a. said upper housing is adjustable relative to said transport rollers to accomodate sashes of different widths.

12. A device for automatically cleaning a window sash or the like comprising:

a. support means having b. housing means thereon,

c. means mounted on said support means for transporting a window sash upon the support means and through the housing means,

d. means carried by the support means for guiding the sash through the housing, as it is transported e. means carried by the support means for cleaning the sash with a liquid as it is transported upon the support means and through said housing means,

f. means for collecting the liquid used in cleaning the sash, and

g. said cleaning means including upper and lower spaced partial vacuum means for removing cleaning liquid from the upper and lower frame edges of the sash.

13. A device for automatically cleaning a window sash or the like comprising:

a. support means having b. housing means thereon,

c. means mounted on said support means for transporting a window sash upon the support means and through the housing means,

(1. means carried by the support means for cleaning the sash with a liquid as it is transported upon the support means and through the housing means,

e. said cleaning means including brushes and f. wiper blades mounted within the housing for wip- 5 ing the sash after it is contacted by said brushes,

g. an upper housing through which the upper frame edge of the sash passes,

h. a lower housing through which the lower frame edge of the sash passes,

i. means for creating a partial vacuum in said upper housing,

j. means for creating a partial vacuum in said lower 16 housing,

k. said upper housing adjustable relative to said transporting means to accommodate sashes of different widths, and,

I. said blades include upper and lower, the uppennost of said blades being mounted on and carried by said upper housing for wiping sashes of different widths.

14. The device of claims 13 in which a. said blades includes intermediate blades, and

b. means for positioning said intermediate blades relative to said lower blade.

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1. A device for automatically cleaning a window sash or the like comprising: a. support means having b. housing means thereon, c. means mounted on said support means for transporting a window sash upon the support means and through the housing means, d. means carried by the support means for guiding the sash through the housing as it is transported, e. means carried by the support means for cleaning the sash with a liquid as it is transported upon the support means and through the housing means, f. means for collecting the liquid used in cleaning the sash, g. said transporting means including a multiplicity of rollers for engagement by the edge of the sash, h. means for rotating the rollers, i. said guiding means including a multiplicity of rollers for engagement by the sash, j. saId cleaning means including k. brushes, l. means for moving the brushes upon and in contact with a sash transported to and past the brushes, m. means for supplying a cleaning liquid to and upon the sash in the area of the brushes for coaction therewith, n. said cleaning means also including wiper blades mounted within the housing for wiping the sash after it is contacted by said brushes.
 2. The device of claim 1 in which said wiper blades are adjustable to accommodate and wipe sashes of different widths.
 3. A device for automatically cleaning a window sash or the like comprising: a. support means having b. housing means thereon, c. means mounted on said support means for transporting a window sash upon the support means and through the housing means, d. means carried by the support means for guiding the sash through the housing as it is transported, e. means carried by the support means for cleaning the sash with a liquid as it is transported upon the support means and through the housing means, f. means for collecting the liquid used in cleaning the sash, g. said transporting means including a multiplicity of rollers for engagement by the edge of the sash, h. means for rotating the rollers, i. said guiding means including a multiplicity of rollers for engagement by the sash, j. said cleaning means including k. brushes, l. means for moving the brushes upon and in contact with a sash transported to and past the brushes, m. means for supplying a cleaning liquid to and upon the sash in the area of the brushes for coaction therewith, n. said cleaning means also including wiper blades mounted within the housing for wiping the sash after it is contacted by said brushes, o. an upper housing through which the upper frame edge of the sash passes, p. a lower housing through which the lower frame edge of the sash passes, q. means for creating a partial vacuum in said upper housing, and r. means for creating a partial vacuum in said lower housing.
 4. The device of claim 3 in which a. said upper housing is adjustable relative to said transport rollers to accommodate sashes of different widths, and b. said blades include upper and lower, the uppermost of said wiper blades being mounted in and carried by said upper housing for wiping sashes of different widths.
 5. The device of claim 4 in which said blades include intermediate wiper blades adjustable intermediate said uppermost wiper blades and said lower wiper blades for coaction with said uppermost and lower blades for wiping sashes of different widths.
 6. The device of claim 5 in which the adjustable intermediate wiper-blades includes means responsive to the adjustable movement of said upper housing for causing adjustment of the intermediate wiper-blades.
 7. The device of claim 5 in which said intermediate wiper blades includes means responsive to the adjustable sliding movement of said upper housing.
 8. The device of claim 3 in which a. said partial vacuum creating means for said upper housing includes an elongated housing including b. an endless belt mounted on rollers and a portion thereof forming an internal wall thereof, and c. a conduit connected to said upper housing and said belt and communicating internally of the belt and housing whereby a partial vacuum is maintained in said upper housing as it is adjustably positioned.
 9. The device of claim 1 in which said wiper blades include a. upper wiper blades, b. intermediate wiper blades, c. lower wiper blades, d. means for positioning said upper wiper blades relative to said lower wiper blades, and e. means for positioning said intermediate wiper blades relative to said lower wiper blades.
 10. A device for automatically cleaning a window sash or the like comprising: a. support means having b. housing means thereon, c. means mounted on said support means for transporting a window sash Upon the support means and through the housing means, d. means carried by the support means for guiding the sash through the housing, as it is transported e. means carried by the support means for cleaning the sash with a liquid as it is transported upon the support means and through said housing means, f. means for collecting the liquid used in cleaning the sash, g. said cleaning means including an upper housing through which the upper frame edge of the sash passes, h. a lower housing through which the lower frame edge of the sash passes, i. means for creating a partial vacuum in said upper housing, and j. means for creating a partial vacuum in said lower housing.
 11. The device of claim 10 in which a. said upper housing is adjustable relative to said transport rollers to accomodate sashes of different widths.
 12. A device for automatically cleaning a window sash or the like comprising: a. support means having b. housing means thereon, c. means mounted on said support means for transporting a window sash upon the support means and through the housing means, d. means carried by the support means for guiding the sash through the housing, as it is transported e. means carried by the support means for cleaning the sash with a liquid as it is transported upon the support means and through said housing means, f. means for collecting the liquid used in cleaning the sash, and g. said cleaning means including upper and lower spaced partial vacuum means for removing cleaning liquid from the upper and lower frame edges of the sash.
 13. A device for automatically cleaning a window sash or the like comprising: a. support means having b. housing means thereon, c. means mounted on said support means for transporting a window sash upon the support means and through the housing means, d. means carried by the support means for cleaning the sash with a liquid as it is transported upon the support means and through the housing means, e. said cleaning means including brushes and f. wiper blades mounted within the housing for wiping the sash after it is contacted by said brushes, g. an upper housing through which the upper frame edge of the sash passes, h. a lower housing through which the lower frame edge of the sash passes, i. means for creating a partial vacuum in said upper housing, j. means for creating a partial vacuum in said lower housing, k. said upper housing adjustable relative to said transporting means to accommodate sashes of different widths, and, l. said blades include upper and lower, the uppermost of said blades being mounted on and carried by said upper housing for wiping sashes of different widths.
 14. The device of claims 13 in which a. said blades includes intermediate blades, and b. means for positioning said intermediate blades relative to said lower blade. 